Reminder on Dec. 29 for cottonseed assistance signup

Ginners whose production is eligible for 2005 cottonseed disaster assistance have until Dec. 29 to file applications for the program with USDA.

Congress provided $15 million for the 2005 Cottonseed Payment Program, which is aimed at helping producers and first handlers of the 2005 cottonseed crop in counties affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma.

Counties contiguous to those are also included in the program, according to National Cotton Council officials familiar with the program.